Canadian Home Furnishings Market ready to roll Jan. 14-17

Michael J. Knell (Furniture/Today) -- Casual Living, 11/9/2011 10:27:32 AM

TORONTO — The 40th edition of the Canadian Home Furnishings Market will open for its four-day run at the International Centre here on Jan. 14, showcasing about 300 furniture manufacturers and distributors as well as other resources for furniture retailers.

In recent years, TCHFM has become the only national trade event for Canada's furniture industry and attracts not only retailers but designers, decorators, suppliers and other industry professionals. It is owned and operated by the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers' Assn.

"Despite all the changes within our industry and our society, the market has maintained its relevancy due to what it represents," QFMA President and CEO Jean François Michaud said in a statement. "For 40 years, not only has TCHFM showcased upcoming trends that will attract Canadian consumers, but it has also allowed retailers and suppliers to communicate and share, exchanging information and inspiration at a level that is much deeper than is achieved by email or via a smartphone."

This year's edition will feature the 12th appearance of the Trends Display, which is assembled annually by the Montreal-based design team of Pierre D'Anjou and André Caron.

Augmenting the display will be 12 vignettes that will be scattered throughout the International Centre. Created by television personality Janette Ewen, these presentations will provide those attending market with merchandising and product ideas, according to the organizers.

"Visiting TCHFM enables retailers to source absolutely everything for the home," Michaud said, adding, "These new vignettes highlight the variety of market products while showing some of the top trends for the upcoming year in accessories, décor and accent pieces."

In addition to creating the vignettes, Ewen will host a conference and workshop entitled "Design Inspiration for Merchandising Success" on Jan. 16 from 2-3:30 p.m. in Hall 4A. Admission is free with badge presentation.

TCHFM's other conference speaker will be Harold C. Lloyd, a U.S.-based speaker and former retailer who specializes in helping businesses stay top-of-mind through the successful implementation of outdoor signage and customer service strategies. His presentation will take place Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Orion Room B, in the International Centre's conference annex.

The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Jan. 14-16 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 17.

The QFMA will host a welcome cocktail reception on Jan. 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the main entrance to the conference annex of the International Centre.

That same evening, the Canadian Home Furnishings Alliance will host a gala honoring the recipient of the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2012 Retailer of the Year in the Orion Ballroom of the International Centre.

More information is on the market's website at tchfm.com.